A Democrat for Muriel Bowser

I am a Democrat. I am a proud and loyal Democrat in the District of Columbia.

I do not believe the Republican Party lead by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), House of Representative Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and other Republican "Tea Party" leaders like Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rand Paul (R-KY) support the hopes and dreams of District children, support economic opportunity for all residents of the District or will defend equal rights and justice for all the people District of Columbia.

Those who are weary of "Independent Democrats" seeking support from Democrats cannot with intellectual honesty separate "Independent Republicans" from the principles of the current Republican "Tea" Party.

In contrast to the Democratic Party, The Republican "Tea" Party opposes affordable health care for all Americans, federal funds to support high quality public education for all children, a higher minimum wage for all workers, and laws protecting the civil rights and equal rights for all people.

Most outrageous and disgraceful are Republican Party coordinated efforts toward voter suppression and enacting laws to block the poor, African Americans and other minorities from registering to vote.

The political and intellectual link among the Republican "Tea" Party and "Independent Republicans" cannot be ignored.

I believe when Democrats are elected into public office it is a benefit for ALL residents of the District of Columbia.

Therefore, on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, I will vote Democratic and for Council Member Muriel Bowser to be the next mayor of the District of Columbia.

Muriel believes all residents of the District of Columbia should have an opportunity to achieve and succeed. I have testified before the Council on many issues affecting the District of Columbia. I have not always agreed with Muriel on all District issues.

Nor have I agreed with all members of the Council and District mayors on all issues. However, regardless whether Muriel was present at a hearing as Chair or present as a Council committee member, Muriel has treated all witnesses before her with respect and courtesy.

Muriel’s passion and commitment is not driven for personal gain or individual political opportunism, but rather for the uplifting of the people of the District and for all Wards of the District.

I believe strongly in Statehood and fiscal autonomy for the District of Columbia. So, too, does Muriel and she demonstrated her passion, commitment and leadership by sitting down and standing up to be arrested to protest a Republican "Tea" Party assault on women’s rights and full democracy for the people of the District.

Muriel was one of “41” arrested defending freedom for all the people of the District of Columbia. I was number “24”. Muriel understands that freedom is not free.

The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission.

John F. Kennedy

We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.

“Letter From A Birmingham Jail”- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Muriel shares your hopes for a continuing and growing District of Columbia for all its residents.

Muriel shares your desires for a public education system which reaches all children and teaches at the height of excellence.

Muriel shares your sense of community legacy which strives to keep our seniors in their homes close to their families and honored by their friends and neighbors.

Muriel shares your dreams to build a prosperous District of Columbia to enable our children to get good jobs and to keep strong families in the District of Columbia.

Muriel embraces the principles of inclusion over intolerance and separation by zip-code and a desired preferred social status.

Most importantly, Muriel does not believe the District’s continued greatness and success can be achieved by social division, racial insensitivity and leaders who will not listen to or respect the views of others.

The District does not need a mayor who speaks as a sounding brass or tingling symbol signifying nothing. The vision for the District’s future should not be driven by a political communal desert thirst for water, which is only a reckless mirage.

On Tuesday, November 4, 2014, District of Columbia voters will have the chance to vote for their dreams, hopes, and aspirations.

On Tuesday, November 4, 2014, District of Columbia voters will have the opportunity to cast a vote for inclusion and compassion.

On Tuesday, November 4, 2014, District of Columbia voters will be able to choose a leader who will earnestly and actively work to bring people together to enhance the quality of life for all District residents.

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Robert is a retired Air Force military veteran and has taught in DC public schools. He is an active volunteer with community organizations in the areas of education, youth, economic development, politics, veterans and public safety. He is president emeritus of the DC Federation of Civic Associations, Inc. and Metropolitan Police Department 5th District Citizens' Advisory Council,Inc. He is a former chairman of the Ward 5 Democratic Committee in the District of Columbia. He currently works for the D.C Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency. He is also a member of the board of directors for the D.C. Open Government Coalition, Inc and D.C. Crime Solvers, Inc.